He especially thanked Daniel’s close friends “The 16 disciples” who called to see them everyday.

He said: “While Daniel spent less than a year in the Army, the support and help we have received has been amazing.

“All your support over the past five days has been outstanding. For your attention to every detail in organising the services yesterday and today, my wife and myself will be forever grateful.”

Philip said Daniel worked for four years in the Arches Bar across the road from the Church on a part-time and full-time basis.

After his Leaving Cert he studied science but always had his sights set on joining the army.

Philip told fellow mourners: “He was overjoyed when he was accepted as a new recruit. This was a great day for him.

“He joined the army in August 2016 and completed his training passing out as a private in December 2016. This was a proud day for the whole family.

“After passing out as Private Donougher he had been stationed in Barracks in Limerick for a few short months During that time Daniel had never been happier and was enthusiastic about his new career.

“He had undertaken more courses and had expressed his desire to take more to advance his career.

“It was like as if he had spent his whole life there.

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Irish Defence Forces pictured Daniel’s funeral

“He had talked about and looked forward to the possibility of serving overseas.

“Above all else Daniel had his close friends who are all here in the front of the Church.

“They called to our house on Friday and overstayed their welcome. They called to our house on Saturday and overstayed their welcome. They called to our house on Sunday to see him.

“True friends know what to do in a time of crisis and it was wonderful to know Daniel had so many true and loyal friends.

“It was great to see them carry Daniel the last few steps into God’s house yesterday evening. You could imagine what he was thinking.

Philip thanked his family including his 87-year-old mother and sister Mary for their support over the past few days.

Daniel’s sister Ninette said in her tribute: “Thank you for being the best brother a sister could ever wish for.

“For teaching me the simple and important things in life, like the love you showed me in so many different ways – taking me to the cinema with yours friends when I didn’t ask, buying me presents when it wasn’t my birthday, putting me first before yourself but most importantly thank you for setting an example that i can follow through life.

“I will always love you.”

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Irish Defence Forces escort the ceremonial gun carriage carrying the remains at the funeral service of Private Daniel Donougher

Daniel was a motorbike enthusiast and his helmet was brought to the altar by a friend and placed on his coffin which was draped in the Tricolor.

The mourners were told that he loved his bike so much mum Daniella used to say his bike was his girlfriend.

Daniel’s friend Thomas Bermingham said: “He was the kindest, sweetest person that we had ever met. He had a wicked sense of humour. Danny was our hero.

“We are all waiting on you buddy. Until we see you again, we love you.”

Mallow Parish Church, The Church of the Resurrection was packed to capacity with defence forces personnel, led by Vice-Admiral Mark Mellett, Chief of Staff of the defence forces, Commodore Hugh Tully, Officer commanding the Naval Service and Brigadier General Paddy Flynn commanding the Southern Brigade.

The Mass was celebrated by Army Chaplin Fr Brian Whelan who was joined by Parish priest of Mallow Archdeacon Gerard Casey.

Fr Whelan said during his homily said: “Life was really good but unfortunately this idyllic world was shattered. What began as a bright summers day ended very dark”.

Fr Whelan spoke of the love Daniel had for his family and for his friends, especially his best friends.

He added: “There are 16 of ye. Jesus had 12 disciples and Daniel had 16 disciples.”

The coffin left the church carries by the army bearer party who placed it on a gun carriage as the bells of the Church rang out.

A single drum beat started the procession led by Daniel’s parents, sister and family followed by marching soldiers and sailors accompanying him to his final resting place in St Gobnait’s cemetery.